Laura T. Lombardi is near and dear to Beadworks' heart. We met her while she was studying at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. When she was in school Laura worked in our Boston retail store and she assisted our Buyer at the Beadworks Business Office.

Laura grew up in New York, and spent a significant portion of her childhood in the area surrounding Florence, Italy. Since then she has lived in Boston, again in Italy, and now she lives and works in Chicago. Today she works out of her studio in Chicago's West Town neighborhood.

Working in new and vintage materials Laura produces small collections of limited edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry. She uses semi-precious gemstones, vintage components and brass, gunmetal, silver and gold chains in her designs.

Laura sells in boutiques, online and she is a featured seller on Etsy. You can find Laura's Etsy shop at Laura Lombardi Jewelry.

Part of an Etsy interview with her is reprinted below. To read the entire interview please read more here.

INTERVIEW

Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.

My name is Laura. I have a small line of one of a kind and limited edition jewelry that I share a name with. I used to make all kinds of things, but now I primarily make necklaces, playlists, and messes.

I grew up in New York, and spent a significant portion of my childhood in the area surrounding Florence, Italy. Since then I have lived in Boston, again in Italy, and now Chicago.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I'm usually planning my next move if I'm not making one. Running a small, "creative" business is a lot more than just creating things, which was not something I had anticipated. In fact, I would say that actually sitting down and physically making jewelry is one of the things I get to do the least.

When I am not working... hmm... I ride bikes, I throw down in the kitchen. I go out and drink whisky or margaritas. I dance even though I really can't, and run a tight game on the sales floor at my day job. I try and sleep past 8 am. Pretty average things.

What first made you want to become an artist?

Doing anything besides putting objects and ideas out there was never really an option. It's just my function. An artist is not something you become so much as you are or are not. I don't really see myself as an "artist". I think the first thing I ever really wanted to be was Madonna or a Disney Princess.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

My inclination has always been to start with objects that are already in existence and present them in a new context, so the process of making jewelry works well for me.

Sourcing objects and materials that spark my interest comes first, and then I build and re arrange from there. About 60-80% of the materials I use are vintage and or repurposed. Brass, 24kt gold, vintage chain, and semi-precious stones are some of my favorites to work with.

I'm drawn to contrasts and layers, heavy objects, symmetry and repetition. I try and make things that are raw and pared down, yet simultaneously statement worthy.

A lot of my time is spent just staring at components and half-realized ideas until they make sense to me. Making something, taking it apart, making it again until it works. I get really frustrated, I get really excited.

As far as production is concerned, most of the action takes place on my kitchen table. I'm definitely a morning person. The quality of my ideas are at their highest and my productivity is at its peak between 9am and 1pm.

Featured Seller

On August 12th, 2009, Jackie Nasser, Lucky Magazine fashion editor hosted a "Shop Live" event on Etsy. Laura's 24kt Gold Quartz Necklace shown here was highlighted as one of Lucky's top picks for autumn!